For 2007 / 2008 we have agreed to retain the seven key service priorities for action in the District which were our main focus in 2006/07 for example dealing with anti-social behaviour, environmental issues including continuing to increase the amount of recycling, lobbying for improved public transport, improving our buildings to ensure they are fit for purpose and can be accessed and used easily and safely by people with disabilities - and improving the ways that people can access our services generally. We will also continue to consult widely across the District so that we can, this year, produce a fifteen-year Local Development Framework and longer term Sustainable Community Strategy for the District which meets the needs and aspirations of local communities.

We have continued to deliver high quality services which have been recognised nationally as best practice.  A great deal has been achieved including:

•           The launch and expansion of our Community Warden scheme – ensuring an ‘eyes and ears’ service in local areas and bringing the Council closer to local communities.  This was followed by the launch of the ‘Community Champions’ initiative which encouraged environmentally-minded people to make a difference to their local neighbourhood by looking out for local problems such as litter, fly-tipping, abandoned cars and other eyesores and in making suggestions as to how other local improvements can be made.

•           The introduction of grants and subsidies to encourage homeowners to install energy efficient facilities – an initiative which was acclaimed nationally

•           A further increase in our recycling collection rates – making us the top recycling Council in Essex and placing us in the top 25% of Councils nationally for recycling

•           A grant of £1 million was secured from the Football Foundation as a contribution to the funding for a new all-weather pitch and changing facilities at Spinks Lane in Witham

•           Over £100,000 was allocated to Parish Councils to enable them to provide projects and initiatives in rural areas
A ballot on the transfer of the Council’s housing stock took place in December 2006. The result was a ‘yes’ vote by the Council’s tenants to the option of transferring to a Housing Association. We worked hard this year to ensure that the transition was successfully accomplished on the 12th November 2007 and that the benefits of the transfer – including the improvements to many homes, can be quickly realised.

The new Braintree Swimming Pool has been now completed and will be officially opened on Saturday 23rd February 2008. This continues to be one of our highest priorities in 2007 – showing that we are investing in our facilities for all in the District to enjoy.